Semester-Based Schedule
The daily class schedule at the Academy differs from most public and boarding schools in that classes meet in five 70-minute periods. Due to the extended time available in each class, students complete a one-year course in one semester. This opens up opportunities to students in many ways:
- Students are allowed more time to increase their understanding of class material.
- Four yearlong courses may be completed in a semester. This allows for the completion of core courses with plenty of time left over to develop new interests through our many electives.
- Course work in certain subject areas can be accelerated, allowing students to achieve high levels of study in areas of academics of special interest to them. For example, a math class can be taken during a semester rather than a full year, allowing many students move on to take AP Calculus AB and AP Calculus BC, AP Statistics, AP Computer Science classes, or even Multivariable Calculus and Linear Algebra.
- Special programs like our culinary program running the Hilltopper Restaurant are made possible by our semester-based schedule.